SI process
As a professional learning approach, the key premise of Simple Interactions is the belief that the most sustainable best practices can come from what adults already do well with children and youth. In practice, this includes observing and capturing on video the existing and emerging practices of children’s helpers in their authentic environments. Observations and filming occur during a typical day, where individuals engage with adults and/or children in ordinary, simple ways.
After observations and filming, the group of children’s helpers come together for a series of learning sessions, where the group views video recordings of their practice. In these learning sessions with children’s helpers, we use the Simple Interactions Tool to describe, identify, and understand their interactions with children as the "active ingredients" of learning and growing. We hope to affirm and empower helpers, especially those who work in settings with limited resources or serve children from under-resourced communities, that they have the capacity to offer just the kind of interactions children need.
These professional development sessions with the group focus on noticing closely everyday interactions between adults and children in authentic environments. The educators or professionals in these groups are invited to be part of a community of practice where they engage in reflection on their own practice and learning with others. Each community of practice brings their own unique perspective and cultural lens, and learning sessions may vary in themes and areas of practice based upon the individual needs of the community. Being compassionate, open, and flexible in thinking are essential components to facilitating Simple Interactions Professional Development. However, Simple Interactions has also been used in a one-to-one coaching relationship, where a coach or supervisor will observe or film a teacher, then use the tool to talk about what they noticed in practice. This process is best when done as close to real time as possible – especially if not using video.
The Simple Interactions approach can be adapted and adjusted for specific content areas and developmental contexts. Any setting in which adults and children interact may be an appropriate setting to apply Simple Interactions.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
After observations and filming, the group of children’s helpers come together for a series of learning sessions, where the group views video recordings of their practice. In these learning sessions with children’s helpers, we use the Simple Interactions Tool to describe, identify, and understand their interactions with children as the "active ingredients" of learning and growing. We hope to affirm and empower helpers, especially those who work in settings with limited resources or serve children from under-resourced communities, that they have the capacity to offer just the kind of interactions children need.
These professional development sessions with the group focus on noticing closely everyday interactions between adults and children in authentic environments. The educators or professionals in these groups are invited to be part of a community of practice where they engage in reflection on their own practice and learning with others. Each community of practice brings their own unique perspective and cultural lens, and learning sessions may vary in themes and areas of practice based upon the individual needs of the community. Being compassionate, open, and flexible in thinking are essential components to facilitating Simple Interactions Professional Development. However, Simple Interactions has also been used in a one-to-one coaching relationship, where a coach or supervisor will observe or film a teacher, then use the tool to talk about what they noticed in practice. This process is best when done as close to real time as possible – especially if not using video.
The Simple Interactions approach can be adapted and adjusted for specific content areas and developmental contexts. Any setting in which adults and children interact may be an appropriate setting to apply Simple Interactions.
For more information, please contact [email protected]